The Heart Is Not a Size by Beth Kephart

Summary
Seventeen-year-old Georgia is pressing. She’s pressing down the black wings beating in her chest, suppressing the knowledge that something’s wrong with her best friend, Riley. Pressing through and against that time of life when you’re not quite grown up but no longer a child, either. When she sees the opportunity to go to Juarez, Mexico for two weeks — with her best friend but sans parents and sometimes-annoying-but-always-running younger brother — she seizes it.

Thoughts
Kephart’s writing sings a quiet, contemplative song, a song vividly conscious of the world around it (as is Georgia, who lives behind a camera for part of this book).

I see myself so clearly in the character of Georgia. Her timidity and determination, her responsibility and observation. The Juarez setting was well-drawn, lovely.

The Heart Is Not a Size is gorgeous in every respect, I love it!

This is the second book I’ve read by Kephart, but it’s certainly not the last. As I said in my review of her Nothing but Ghosts, I want to read everything she’s written.

If you’re not reading Kephart yet, why not? You should. I say that not to create a sense of obligation, but rather because I sincerely believe you’re missing out if you haven’t read these books. Just 11 days until this one comes out.

About the author
Beth Kephart is the author of 12 books. The Heart Is Not a Size is her fourth YA novel. She is the strategic planning and writing partner of a boutique communications firm in Pennsylvania.

“Kephart’s writing sings a quiet, contemplative song . . .” How can I not want to read her after that thought? I actually have Nothing But Ghosts and I don’t know why I haven’t read it yet. Thanks for this reminder.